Thursday, February 1, 2018

Here is the City of Frederick, MD's, eNewsletter for February 2018. It is reposted here by permission. If you have any questions or suggestions, direct them to Patti Mullens, the city's Public Information Coordinator, and author of the newsletter: pmullins@cityoffrederick.com. The topics for this month's newsletter are shown below and the articles follow.

Whether you've lived here for years, or you're a first-time visitor, First Saturdays are a great time to discover something new about Downtown Frederick. http://downtownfrederick.org

Frederick Municipal Airport

Airport to Exhibit at Conference; New Fence Adds Security

Airport to Exhibit at Major Business Aviation Conference

The Frederick Municipal Airport is excited to announce it will exhibit at the 2018 Schedulers and Dispatchers Conference hosted by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). The Schedulers and Dispatchers Conference is the premier professional development event for anyone with responsibility for scheduling or dispatching business aircraft.

Projects update: The airport completed installation of 4,400 feet of fence along Buchemier Road and Patrick Street, achieving the goal of enhancing current airport security. The new fence was designed and approved in conjunction with the recently completed earthwork project that makes way for a 600-foot runway extension, programmed for completion in 2020. Both projects were completed with funding assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration and Maryland Aviation Administration grant programs.

The Economic Development Department (@frederickded on Facebook) hosted Frederick Day in Annapolis, made possible by key private-sector sponsors. City staff, Mayor Michael O'Connor and aldermen shared with state leaders what is going on in Frederick and how state funding is helping to make progress possible. A highlights the progress.

Department of Public Works

Progress with Water, Sewer, Roads

PROJECT UPDATES

Sewer Lining: The sewer main lining project will begin construction on or about Feb. 5. There will be large equipment in the area behind the little league field in Baker Park and behind the Edward P. Thomas Memorial Pool. A large pipe will be running through Baker Park from the U.S 15 side of Fairview Avenue, continuing behind the swimming pool. The path from Fairview Avenue to the start of the new path around Culler Lake will be shut down during this project. Pedestrians will not have access to the path due to the wet areas of construction. In addition, the sewer department will install new storm drain lines for the new path between Fairview Avenue and Culler Lake.

Butterfly Lane Water Tank: The plan to replace the tank is currently 30 percent through plan review with comments.

Water Loss Reduction: Continuing to install water main and services on Carroll Parkway and North Jefferson Street.

Water Resource Upgrade: The new Waterside transmission water main beginning at the City portion of Waterside Drive through the County portion of Waterside Drive, crossing the Md. Route 26 to Sebastian Way at Deerbought, has been fully permitted. Full construction is scheduled to begin this spring.

As always, contact us to report concerns or ask questions: 301-600-1498.

Department of Planning

Public Welcome to Review Historic Preservation Rules;

Tax Breaks for Historic Preservation

Speak Up: Historic Preservation Rules Ready for Update

Feb. 15, the Historic Preservation Commission will have a workshop to discuss draft amendments to the Frederick Town Historic District Design Guidelines. The drafts are available on the City website, and the public may leave comments online.

The public is encouraged to participate as the City reviews these guidelines for historic preservation and requirements within the City's Historic District. The amendments will be the subject of public meetings, starting Feb. 15.

Sign Up: Tax Credit for Historic Rehabilitation Work

Applications due April 1 for the City Historic Preservation Property Tax Credit. Tax paying property owners may apply for a credit equal to 25 percent of the properly documented expenditures incurred during 2017. Applications and details are available from the Planning Department or online at www.cityoffrederick.com.For all other questions, please call 301-600-1499.

Winning submissions will be featured in a fair housing publication distributed statewide. Winners will also be honored at a recognition ceremony at the Maryland State House in Annapolis during Fair Housing Month in April 2018.

For questions concerning contest rules or any other inquiries please contact the Frederick County Association of Realtors at 301-663-0757.

Mayor's Office

Strategic Opportunities Exploration Has Begun

Citizens came out Jan. 23 to meet and greet Mayor Michael O'Connor and the Board of Aldermen.

Jan. 23, the Neighborhood Advisory Councils hosted

a "meet and greet" with Mayor Michael O'Connor and the Board of Aldermen. In the

packed room at The Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center, elected officials, City staff and citizens mingled.

The Mayor's Strategic Opportunities Advisory Team will meet again at 1 p.m., Feb. 2and on alternate Fridays through June 30, 2018. Each of the five Steering Committee members leads one of the workgroups that they established to assess performance and potential of City departments, and to improve citizen engagement.All of the committee and workgoup meetings are open to the public, and meeting dates are posted online.

You're invited to fill out a survey about upcoming Channel 99 programs:

The City of Frederick's Channel 99 production "City Issues" is an informal discussion, with hosts Mayor Michael O'Connor, Public Information Coordinator Patti Mullins and key city staff, of a variety of city topics. Upcoming episodes will feature discussions about the development of Westside Regional Park off Butterfly Lane, Monocacy Boulevard construction and the Mayor's Strategic Opportunities Advisory Team.

Help reduce theft from motor vehicle calls for service by doing one simple thing: Lock your vehicle doors. Over 76 percent of thefts from motor vehicles are from unlocked vehicle doors. Locking your vehicle will reduce your chances of becoming a victim drastically.

Each City neighborhood has its own local, grassroots NAC (neighborhood advisory council) to discuss important topics, issues and wishes. To find out what your NAC is, when it meets and how to be involved, check out the NAC page.

Parks and Recreation

Sponsors Need to Know Race-Walk Rules in Play

Race/Walk Event Rules

New rules apply to organizers of races and walks that have routes through the City. See the rules and find an application to host an event here:

The City of Frederick values diversity in its workforce and is an equal opportunity employer. For information on employment with The City, visit Job Opportunities & How to Apply. Applications and current job descriptions are also available inside City Hall by the security desk on the first floor.